25 May 2005
National Rail Strategy launched
The government today launched the National Rail Strategy.
"This government realises the potential of rail to play a full part in a modern, integrated transport network. The
development of rail can help deliver gains in terms of economic growth, reduced congestion, safety, personal security
and health. The Strategy provides a framework to develop rail in order to realise these potential benefits," says
Transport Minister Pete Hodgson.
The Strategy sets out the government's policy and objectives for rail over the next ten years. Its focus is on
increasing the amount of freight and commuters using rail.
The strategy's priorities include:
Improving safety Upgrading the network Improving rail's contribution to regional economic development Optimising the use
of rail within the wider transport network, and Improving access to rail for users.
"National's privatisation of rail was a disaster. This government brought New Zealand's rail infrastructure back into
public ownership. Business and commuters are already responding to improvements being made. Passenger numbers are up in
the main centres and Fonterra and Toll have already announced plan to take move 45,000 truck movements a year from road
to rail."
Today's release follows a consultation process initiated by the release of a draft of the Strategy in September 2004 and
was developed with the Greens.
ENDS